Uniform, Uniforms - Dream Symbols

Guest Author - Aisling Ireland

It might be easy to overlook a uniform's appearance in a dream. You might be wearing a uniform but not really think about that fact when sorting out your dream. You might even dream of seeing others in uniforms but not really think about "them" as parts of yourself. When sorting out dreams, all aspects are important and if a uniform is in any part of your dream try to pay attention to it as this uncommon symbol is a treasure trove of information about your inner life.

To get at the information the dream is trying to convey, start with simple word play. Think about the word "uniform." A uniform could mean that you like things to be in order, predictable, in alignment--something that has a "uni" form, a singular path with no surprises.

Alternatively, a uniform may also mean that you feel "uniform"--you feel the same, like a cookie cutter version of a human being, or worse, that you feel like a prisoner, trapped in a world of orders and demands over which you have little to no control.

Uniforms can be both superficial and rich in meaning. For example, a uniform can be something that one likes to wear to show off, but which really has no meaning to the wearer. It can be a symbol of liking to put on a fake persona, a cloak to hide the inner truth of who one truly is. Or a uniform can be that which one wears proudly, a banner that exemplifies what one truly values--like a soldier who wears a uniform as a measure of her ideals and values, an outfit that indicates that she believes in what she does and proudly counts herself as a member of an elite group who hold to a higher standard than regular "civilians."

The only way to decide what your dream means is to be completely honest with yourself. You are the only person who can look into your heart and decide if the uniform you wear is something bland, comforting, cloaking, or rich in meaning. The most basic way to decide is to ask yourself these questions: Do I belong in this uniform? Am I comfortable in this uniform? Do I deserve (in either a good or bad way) to be wearing this symbol as a sign of who I am? Or, perhaps more importantly, is getting into this uniform something for which I should strive?

Until next time, sleep well and dream out loud!

*~Aisling Ireland~* is an ordained Interfaith Minister, available for weddings and commitment ceremonies and a Spiritual Counselor providing dream interpretation and Tarot readings. To make an appointment check out her website at: Sang-Realta Spiritual Counseling

"Man and His Symbols" is probably the most accessible and informative book you can find on C.G Jung's ideas on dream interpretation while U2's "No Line on the Horizon" is a dream set to music.